The methodological and ontological considerations that arose in connection with Kit Fine's theory of embodiments provide motivation to search for an alternative approach which preserves the neo-Aristotelian spirit of Fine's account while avoiding its troubling features. Since the kind of theory of composition for which we are aiming has its historical origins in Aristotle, and, as it turns out in Plato as well, the next two chapters examine some of the rich and rewarding writings of these two ancient authors on parts and wholes, turning first to Plato's mereological writings and Verity Harte's recent insightful readings of them (especially in her Plato on Parts and Wholes: The Metaphysics of Structure); Aristotle's treatment of parts and wholes will be the subject of the following chapter.
Keywords: Kite Fine, theory of embodiments, Aristotle, Plato, Verity Harte, parts, wholes,